Donald Brown bolts the Colts

As Richardson struggled for the Colts, Brown thrived. And with the Colts now forced to justify giving up a first-round pick for Richardson, Brown has exited.

Brown has joined the Chargers, as initially reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. A source with knowledge of the deal tells PFT that Brown’s agreed to the three-year contract, with a base value of $10.5 million. Of that amount, $4 million in guaranteed.

It’s roughly the same deal that former Vikings running back Toby Gerhart signed with the Jaguars. And it proves that the market for veteran running backs continues to reside in the same range as the top of the market for kickers.

Chargers G.M. Tom Telesco worked for the Colts when Brown was drafted. He joins a depth chart that includes Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead.

Not worried. I’ll admit Brown had a good year, but he had a lot of bad ones in Indy too. I think Richardson will play a lot better this year after a full offseason to learn the offense. Now I just wish Ahmad Bradshaw would get healthy and the Colts re-sign him.

Is it really that good of a signing by the Chargers? I like Brown but most backs need carries to shine. Matthews really improved last year and I know it’sa big if but if he stays healthy won’t they continue with the Mathews/Woodhead combination they have now?

Seems to me like Brown just relegated himself from a starter to a back up. Sure he’s a back up who’s going to get opportunities.

Heck maybe he’s smart and thinks 3.5 million a year and only the 5-10 plays most weeks in which to get injured is a pretty good deal.

Ryan Mathews is a poster-child for potential versus reality. He has the ability to be a perennial 1,000 yard back but since he gets injured walking down the steps, his career has been marred by injuries.